8 Cognitive Stacks of MBTI Personality Types
Based on Carl Jung the human minds can be distinguished as Perceiving Function and Judging Function. The Perceiving functions are responsible for taking in or retrieving information. This function is consists of Intraverted Sensing (Si), Extraverted Sensing (Se), Intraverted Intuition (Ni), and Extraverted Intuition (Ne). While judging function consists of Intraverted Thinking (Ti), Extraverted Thinking (Te) Intraverted Feeling, and Extraverted Feeling (Fe).
What are extraverted and introverted functions?
Extraverted Functions
- Directed outwardly (observable by others)
- Broad in scope; extensive
Introverted Functions
- Directed inwardly (concealed from others)
- Narrow in scope; deep and intensive
These 8 functions cognitive stacks affect how we receive information from the outside world and use it as our resource for the decision-making process.
Perceiving Function
The Perceiving functions are responsible for retrieving information. Observation, Get information from one of our senses (hearing sounds, smelling air, touching, etc), and recalling something from memory are examples of Perceiving activities. Unlike the Judging functions, the Perceiving functions are not trying to control the outcome but absorbing the information.
Perceiving functions consist of Sensing and Intuition:
- Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Se is associated with our senses it helps us to interact with our physical surroundings. Se is an observer and also related to kinesthetic intelligence. Extraverted Sensing (Se) seeks extensive outward stimulation of new sights, sounds, tastes, experiences, etc. People who have Se as a dominant function will relish stimulation of their five senses — new sights, sounds, tastes, scents, movements, textures, etc. They are “sensation-seekers,” relishing novel experiences, material pleasures, and the thrill of action. They are quick to take notice of environmental details. It constantly scans its surroundings and zeroes-in on objects of interest. Due to its observational powers, Se users often have good visual memories, able to accurately recall landmarks and other visual details. - Intraverted Sensing (Si)
Si is a loyal preserver and defender of the past of cherished memories, traditions, beliefs, routines, etc. Despite their shared status as Sensors, People who have Si as a dominant stack are quite different from people who have Se as dominant stack. Si does not venture out seeking novel sensations, experiences, or material goods. Instead, they prefer a more routinized and predictable lifestyle. Introverted Sensing (Si) is rooted in our past experience. Whenever we try to preserve the past or perpetuate it into the present, we are engaging Si. - Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Someone with Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as their dominant or auxiliary function, will tend to “brainstorming aloud.” They haphazardly move from one idea to the next so sometimes it looks like they have no point. Ne is more divergent and expansive in nature than Ni. Ne people usually like to explore all the options and possibilities, sometimes making it difficult for them to draw firm conclusions or make confident decisions. The divergent nature of Ne explains why Ne people often seem random, distractible, quirky, or flighty. However, their orientation toward future possibilities gives Ne types a good nose for inventing, marketing, entrepreneurship, politics, journalism, etc. Since Ne is a divergent form of intuition, it is closely linked with creativity. Ne is associated with openness and exploration. Instead of merely exploring ideas or possibilities, Ne is envisioned as creating or building something with those ideas. With that said, exploration and creativity are always working symbiotically in the Ne mind. - Intraverted Intuition (Ni)
Unlike Ne, which expands the number of possibilities, Ni tends to work more convergently, to produce a more singular and comprehensive vision or solution. The convergent capacities of Ni provide a greater sense of confidence to move forward, contributing to their effectiveness as theorists, leaders, problem solvers, and advisers. Ni people often think by way of images rather than words. Due to Ni’s convergent workings, Ni people commonly report a strong sense of intuitive “knowing” and conviction. They convey the sense that its insights are categorically and objectively true.
Judging Function
The Judging functions allow us to make decisions and draw conclusions based on the received information. They are related to a desire to control, predict, order, or otherwise actively shape the course of things. When using our Judging process, we frequently close ourselves off to new information in our desire to move toward an answer, decision, or objective.
Judging Function consists of Thinking and Feeling:
- Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Te usually involves the outward expression of rational judgments and opinions. TJs literally make judgments, conclusions, and decisions aloud. Te is more fact-oriented than Ti is. Te people in particular, see the world as composed of discrete, black-and-white parts. This allows them to institute clear definitions, objective standards, and measurable goals. While Ti is forever backtracking to question and clarify underlying ideas and assumptions, Te is more positivistic and forward-moving, working to improve definitions, plans, policies, classifications, procedures, etc.
Te people conceiving the world as a collection of hierarchical systems and subsystems, each with clearly defined boundaries, provides the sense of structure Te needs to sustain its belief in objective knowledge and the potential for continued optimization of systems and processes. - The expressions of Extraverted Thinking (Te) are precise and to the point. One is rarely forced to guess what they are thinking, as these types are always ready and willing to express their thoughts.
- Intraverted Thinking (Ti)
Since Ti is introverted, Ti people are reluctant to express their rational judgments outwardly. Ti is used to bring structure and order to their inner world. This grants them a strong sense of inner control. Inwardly, Ti types are highly self-disciplined, working to independently manage their thoughts in a way that allows them to better cope with life. They are constantly digging into the background of their own thoughts in order to better understand their origins and to ensure their thinking is founded on clear and logical ideas. They see it pointless to try to build a system of thought on a dubious conceptual platform, making them slower than Te types to rush into experiments in order to discover more “facts.” While their skepticism is often broad and liberal, their positivism is minimal and conservative.
Ti types devise and utilize their own methods, strategies, and standards. In order to work their way through whatever problem or challenge has entered their view - Ti feels less responsible to and exhibits less loyalty toward, established facts, methods, and rules than Te. Ti types spend so much time in contemplation, questioning the merits of things other types accept as a given. Many Ti people devoted to honing and refining their craft, whether as mechanics, craftspersons, philosophers, or small business owners. They are often at their best when investing in something that’s entirely their own.
- Extraverted Feeling
Fe people are quick to outwardly express their feelings, opinions, and grievances. Fe plays a prominent role in attuning to and empathizing with others’ emotions. They can recreate another’s emotional state within themselves, allowing them to empathize. Fe types also work to meet others’ needs and to maintain harmony in the external environment. They ensure that everyone is getting along and is well cared for. At the same time, since Fe is an Extraverted Judging function, there are times when Fe people are compelled to sacrifice external harmony for the sake of asserting their judgments. They also enjoy giving counsel and advice, especially with regard to people-related matters. Fe people aim to emotionally connect and live well with others. Excelling at reading, mirroring, and influencing others’ emotions, Fe is an effective tool for procuring the emotional consensus it seeks.
Fe people are able to deliver quick judgments. They are natural persuaders and motivators. They know how to rally the troops and get everyone on the same emotional page. In speaking from the heart, they naturally stir the hearts of those around them. - Intraverted Feeling (Fi)
Fi is directed inwardly, navigating and managing personal feelings and values. Fi deals with emotions more independently. Fi also inspires Fi types to help the underserved. They can commonly be found helping the sick, the needy, children, and animals. They love to rescue those in need. Fi people may feel they have little control over other people, but they feel confident in regulating their own feelings, values, and actions.
Fi is closely associated with empathy, exhibiting strong concern for the unique feelings, values, and circumstances of the individual. We should also recognize that Fi empathy is not restricted to human beings, but can come to embrace all sentient beings. This expansion of empathy has prompted many Fi Types to take up causes such as environmentalism, vegetarianism, animal rights, and the like.
Introverted Feeling (Fi) monitors and manages emotions on a largely independent basis. Strangers may thus perceive these types as coy or cool, perhaps even unemotional. But this couldn’t be further from the truth, as IFPs are wellsprings of emotion.
So, have you found out which cognitive stacks are your dominant stacks? If yes, then how can you utilize it so that you can be your best self? Find out how on the next future article.
See you in the next article!
Love,
Fristy
References:
The 8 functions (Typology 201). (2021, February 7). Personality Junkie. https://personalityjunkie.com/functions-ni-ti-fi-si-ne-te-fe-se/
The 8 functions: Roles, images & characteristics. (2022, January 20). Personality Junkie. https://personalityjunkie.com/02/function-roles-8-jungian-functions/
Symbolic images for Jung’s eight functions. (2022, January 20). Personality Junkie. https://personalityjunkie.com/05/symbolic-images-jungian-functions
